Yes, they do. Their government cannot change them through technology; the government can only attempt to control them. The story makes a strong case for the human spirit and makes it clear that a tyrannical government must control it if absolute power is to be preserved. Despite his most severe handicaps, Harrison Bergeron's spirit was not broken by the state. He defied the government, escaped from prison, took control of the television studio, and expressed his humanity for a few beautiful and sublime moments with the ballerina. Since the government could not control Harrison or let the example of his rebellious spirit take root in the populace, they killed him and his dancing partner. Harrison was most dangerous because his actions might remind others of their own humanity. Harrison's mother watches her son's death on television. She can't remember what she has seen, but she cries. The government, with all its technology, has not changed her heart and soul at all.